Rated of 5
by Karen B. (Pittsburgh, PA) There's more missing than those who vanished during the "Sudden Departure"
Perrotta's novel is an entertaining exercise of how people cope after being left behind after millions of people vanish during a "Rapture-like" phenomenon. Perrotta successfully captures how society feels compelled to try to make sense of senseless acts of terror/tragedy by both elevating and tearing down these same "victims." However, didn't buy into the fracturing of the family who comprised his 4 main characters. Dad: committed to carrying on; Mom: abandoning family to join a "cult'; Son: dropping out of college to follow a "prophet" who eases those in pain; Daughter: dropping out of high school and experimenting with alcohol, drugs and sex. Wouldn't those families who were spared try to find comfort in each other? Felt this fracturing was a bit forced. The novel raised many questions and I know I will be thinking about the book for quite a while. Just couldn't help but feel a little disappointed after finishing.
Rated of 5
by William B. (East Peoria, IL) The Rapture?
I'll read whatever this guy writes. I thought, like Little Children & Abstinence Teacher, this book was funny, interesting and sometimes insightful. Don't look for hard science fiction in this, the novel is more concerned with people's reactions and frustrations due to the world changing events.
Rated of 5
by Lesley M. (Mesa, AZ) Life After......
The Leftovers is a glimpse into the lives of people who have been left behind after their loved ones have disappeared (as stated in Revelations in the Bible). The story follows a list of characters and how they cope with their life as it is now, shattered, changed. The characters are interesting, believable and the story's theme puts you into the character's role....how would you live after this type of life altering event happened? Great book; hard to put down!
Rated of 5
by Andrienne G. (Azusa, CA) Curious premise, no redemption
I am a fan of Tom Perrotta so I jumped at the chance to review his latest novel. In fairness, "The Leftovers" continues the same dreary and mildly shocking narrative that is true to his style. He does not hesitate to include uncomfortable yet real moments. If his aim is to irritate the reader with plausible consequences if a so-called "Rapture" should occur, he succeeded. I did not care for the characters and nothing really happened, which mirrors what the characters felt too in a way.
Rated of 5
by Susan S. (Lafayette, CA) Another page-turner from Tom Perotta
I love this author. He has the rare gift of being satirical but warm at the same time, with underlying humor that never veers over into parody. His characters feel real. This is perhaps his best book yet, and also his most ambitious. All of his imaginings of the various ways people would react to the dilemma for some and tragedy for others of being the leftovers seemed exactly right, ranging from general hopelessness to outrage to new fanatical cults to resignation. I also liked that he did not try to explain the event, and did not treat it as a religious phenomenon. It was just something that happened with no warning and so – now what? I cannot recommend this book more highly.
Rated of 5
by Cheryl W. (Cassville, MO) The Leftovers
This was a different take on the much written about topic of a rapture-like event. Unlike most books with this theme, the characters continued to live their lives. Each struggled with accepting what had happened and dealt with their losses in their own fashion. There wasn't the usual conflict between good and evil. It was a story of loss and acceptance.
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of 5
by Karen B. (Pittsburgh, PA) 
of 5
by Lesley M. (Mesa, AZ) 
of 5
by Andrienne G. (Azusa, CA) 
